SPRINGFIELD (New Jersey) — Leona Maguire’s Irish village held a parade to honor her when she led Europe in winning the Solheim Cup two years ago. She said the highlight was her 96-year old grandmother Kathleen riding in the back seat with her. They were cheered on by well-wishers after a long period of strict lockdown.
Imagine the reaction if she was the first Irish woman ever to win a major.
Maguire is leading a major championship at the KPMG women’s PGA for the first time of her career. She just won her second career title at the Meijer LPGA Classic last week. The former Duke star shot a 3-under-68 on another wet day in Jersey, leading the field with 5-under-137. Mel Reid, her 2021 Solheim Cup teammate at Inverness who will be competing in the event, shot 67 and tied for second place with Celine Borge, a Norwegian rookie, and Xiyu Li of China.
Minjee Lee, two-time major champion, is two places behind at 3 under. Lee-Anne Pace (42 years old) was able to get into the ShopRite LPGA Classic a couple of weeks ago. She played her way in with a T-30 result there.
Maguire became the first Irishwoman in LPGA history to win a tournament last year. She credited Padraig harrington for his help with her short-game last summer.
“I believe Ireland is a very strong country when it comes golf,” said Maguire. “And it’s great to have Padraig (McGinley), Shane Lowry, looking out for me.” “All of the guys were very nice to me and I am very grateful for that.”
She and her team celebrated this victory on Monday, at Ruth’s Chris. She had steak with her favorite side dish – sweet potato casserole. Maguire and caddie talked about the dinner while waiting for shots.
Maguire said, “I think today, the key was to stay really patient, given that we were in twos, packed in a field which wasn’t moving. It was a good thing that I was able to stay warm and concentrate when needed. It kept the momentum going.”
Maguire and Hinako Shibuno played as a twosome on Friday, after Austin Ernst withdrew from the tournament after the first round. Ernst announced recently that she was retiring from the LPGA because of a lingering injury to her neck.
Leona Maguire putsts at the 18th hole during the second round KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Mandatory Credit: John Jones – USA TODAY Sports
The final cut was 79 players. Nelly Korda was ranked No. After rounds 76-77, the No. 2 was the most notable name to leave the weekend. Atthaya Thtikul, Jennifer Kupcho, and Lilia vu also left early. Lexi Thompson avoided a similar fate by birdying four of the final five holes.
Reid informed her wife Carly in September last year that she would quit golf and take a media job. She had been suffering from an overuse injury in her right wrist, and decided it was time to quit. Duncan McCarthy’s help helped her to restart after she took a medical break from the tour.
More: Nelly Korda and Atthaya Thtikul are among the big names who missed the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship
Reid said, “I believe I had to perform well in six events after Founders to be reshuffled.” “I birdied the last hole at Founders, which was funny because it was a big deal for me. I then finished in the top 25 or 27th, which reshuffled my position and took some pressure off.
Reid and his wife Reid are expecting their first baby in the next few months. This has increased Reid’s desire to succeed.
It can sometimes feel like a game to the fiery English players. She felt drained from being constantly on in analysis mode.
She said, “We’ve done an excellent job. Not perfect, but when I am at the course, I act like Mel the golfer. I’m very professional and get my work finished. I’m very present.” “When I am at home, I am present with Carly and my friends. I do whatever I need to do. We’re trying to separate this.”
